Popular services

Rainbow Region Kids

Neighbourhood centre

Financial support

Families

Children and youth

Volunteering

Aboriginal

Domestic violence

Homelessness

To make a new enquiry to receive any of our First Step supports, please call us on 02 6621 7397, email hub@nrcg.org.au or visit any of our First Step locations listed here.

First Step emergency relief

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First Step emergency relief provides immediate support to people throughout the Northern Rivers region who are experiencing financial crisis.

Our wrap-around service provides intake and assessment of your short and long term needs, immediate access to integrated facilities, material and financial aid, and referrals to support services that help you stay out of crisis.

First Step emergency relief is available at Byron Bay, Casino, Kyogle, Lismore and Murwillumbah. We also provide intake and assessment appointments via telephone and Zoom.

All our First Step emergency relief supports are free and subject to availability. Conditions apply to some supports.

First Step emergency relief supports

Food boxes from our free community food pantry. Eligibility criteria apply.
Supermarket vouchers for people with special dietary requirements or medical conditions with a GP referral. Appointments essential.
Shower and bathroom facilities for people who are
homeless.
Energy accounts payment assistance (EAPA) electricity vouchers for people on a low income who face financial hardship. Appointments essential.
Laundry facilities including a washing machine, dryer and laundry powder for people who are homeless.
Backpack beds available to collect for people who are homeless.
Chemist vouchers for people on a low income who face financial hardship. Appointments essential.
Fuel vouchers for people with a GP referral, who need to travel a significant distance to see a medical specialist. Supporting documents and appointments essential.
Surplus fresh bread donated by local businesses.